What model is my Avon?

Merrie Thames · 04 May 2009, 22:14

Hi, first post here but I've already learned a lot from this forum just reading late into the night!

I've had this Avon for a couple of years since getting it off Ebay and I use it for summertime messing around on the Thames. Its my first boat and I've enjoyed it enough to want to buy something similar but newer but I don't know what to look for as I have no idea what model it is.

The only identifying features I can give are that it is 4.5m total boat length and has Avon Sportboat on the bows, but I've seen other things with sportboat on them.

Any ideas anyone? Or suggestions for modern equivalents of similar size?

Thanks

Nos4r2 · 04 May 2009, 22:34

You'd probably need to ask Avon that with the serial number-though I don't know how helpful they'll be.
I seem to remember the model numbers not being a length guide (which is unusual).

Slaphead · 04 May 2009, 23:31

Avon are VERY helpful. Last week I bought a military spec SIB off e bay and contacted them with a photo. They were able to confirm the model as one of theirs and when I send them the serial no. they will tell me the year of manufacture, etc. Go on to their website and see if your SIB is on it. Otherwise contact them and they will help you out.

Downhilldai · 05 May 2009, 00:31

You don't need to contact Avon to work out the year of manufacture, if you have the serial no.

matt h · 05 May 2009, 08:14

Hope this helps, Look like its a Avon s4.00 sportsboat, this model was dated late 70s to ealy 80s,the craft in the picture was fitted with the extras shown in pic five.

codprawn · 05 May 2009, 13:51

Wow it will take 40hp - what a difference - these days most people would say a 25 was too much.........

No wonder they had mullet hairstyles in those days - it was the slipstream that did it!!!

Nos4r2 · 05 May 2009, 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

Wow it will take 40hp - what a difference - these days most people would say a 25 was too much.........

No wonder they had mullet hairstyles in those days - it was the slipstream that did it!!!

Don't forget there's a couple of caveats to that-it'd have to be a carbed 2 stroke 40hp-and it'd be wild with a post '86 prop rated one

. A 4 stroke or the new tech 2 strokes would be way too heavy.

Sixy's 3.4m Zodiac was bonkers with 20hp!

Mercury · 05 May 2009, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

You don't need to contact Avon to work out the year of manufacture, if you have the serial no.

Last Two digits of serial No. will give you the year of manufacture.

Merrie Thames · 05 May 2009, 19:53

Thanks everyone for the advice; only problem is that there is no longer a serial number, at least not that I can see. Where would it be?

spidermonkey · 15 May 2009, 12:01

you have PM

chris123 · 15 May 2009, 19:47

I don't think it is an S400, because the S400 is only 3.8 metres long and has rowlocks and a fixed bowdodger.

The S550 on the other hand is 4.41 metres long has no rowlocks and a detachable bowdodger.

My 1975 brochure lists the S550 as being rated for a 55HP outboard with a maximum outboard weight of 86KG

Cheers

Chris

thornbackflound · 15 May 2009, 19:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt h

Hope this helps, Look like its a Avon s4.00 sportsboat, this model was dated late 70s to ealy 80s,the craft in the picture was fitted with the extras shown in pic five.

AH, OFF TOPIC But another picture with people with out life jackets,not a good advertisment for promoting a sport that can have many dangers from the avon company

Downhilldai · 15 May 2009, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrie Thames

Thanks everyone for the advice; only problem is that there is no longer a serial number, at least not that I can see. Where would it be?

There will/should be one on a small patch, fixed to the underside of the bow tube, just above the floor/deck.

Neil Harvey · 16 May 2009, 17:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by thornbackflound

AH, OFF TOPIC But another picture with people with out life jackets,not a good advertisment for promoting a sport that can have many dangers from the avon company

To be fair to Avon, that's a really old brochure. Back then, you probably didn't have to wear helmets on motorbikes!

Nos4r2 · 16 May 2009, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

To be fair to Avon, that's a really old brochure. Back then, you probably didn't have to wear helmets on motorbikes!

Given the colours on that engine, you're probably right. Looks to be around '73 when the helmet law came in.

thornbackflound · 17 May 2009, 15:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

To be fair to Avon, that's a really old brochure. Back then, you probably didn't have to wear helmets on motorbikes!

The sea been around for years so has life jackets ,no excuse when promoting fun ,sport at sea ,sorry

phillnjack · 22 September 2009, 21:27

actualy the helmet law didnt come in untill 1975/6. this i know as i went on the original helmet run rally.

Back to the boats, even the 550 had the bow dodger fitted by the looks of the brochure

phill

mirssant · 23 October 2009, 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Don't forget there's a couple of caveats to that-it'd have to be a carbed 2 stroke 40hp-and it'd be wild with a post '86 prop rated one

. A 4 stroke or the new tech 2 strokes would be way too heavy.

Sixy's 3.4m Zodiac was bonkers with 20hp!

I think its an avon sportboat s550 a previus owner tookout the bow cover, i do it whit my avon s400, if you may take a side pic there are some diference in the avon logo between old 60, 70 models whit newer ones

phillnjack · 24 October 2009, 16:47

I also have a AVON sportsboat now, and mine dont have the serial number on it.

the plate on the transom tells me its a avion sportsboat, but the serial number is not there anymore.
Looks like it was a stick on paint on type thing. not stamped in like i would of thought.

I have looked for a patch up front but not found anything at all.

Mine says its rated for 45hp , i will be using a 30hp 2stroke suzuki twin circa 1984/5.

is there any other way of telling the year, im just curios as the boat is in good condition
apart from the bow dodger colour has faded a good bit.

phill

mirssant · 27 October 2009, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by phillnjack

I also have a AVON sportsboat now, and mine dont have the serial number on it.

the plate on the transom tells me its a avion sportsboat, but the serial number is not there anymore.
Looks like it was a stick on paint on type thing. not stamped in like i would of thought.

I have looked for a patch up front but not found anything at all.

Mine says its rated for 45hp , i will be using a 30hp 2stroke suzuki twin circa 1984/5.

is there any other way of telling the year, im just curios as the boat is in good condition
apart from the bow dodger colour has faded a good bit.

phill

Hi Phill

The avons had two plates on the transom one inside where says the model, the maxium load and the maxium HP rated if yours says 45 hp i think is an avon S400 but the serial No. was on the transom outside if your boat have not anymore may be you wont know the year, but you own one of the best inflatable boats ever made a 30 hp is enoght to plane your boat whit 6 people inside, this boats have two suports bars that are atached from the botom floorboard to the transom is very important you have them